Fitzgerald pays tribute to departing Millwall youngsters

Academy director Scott Fitzgerald has paid tribute to five young players who are leaving Millwall.

Ebere Eze, Mikael Ndjoli, Ronnie O'Donnell, James Fitzgerald and Alex Mulrooney-Skinner have all been informed this week that they will not be offered professional contracts - a decision Fitzgerald and his fellow Academy staff have made with a heavy heart.

"This is always an incredibly difficult thing to do," he told millwallfc.co.uk.

"We have seen these five talented young boys progress through our ranks so it is always going to be tough to see them go, but they each handled our decision with maturity and professionalism.

"Ebere, Mikael, Ronnie, James and Alex, throughout their time at Millwall, have all shown incredible dedication and a desire to learn and progress as footballers, and I thank them for all their efforts.

"It is important to stress that this is in no way the end for these players. If they can continue to show the same attributes they have during their time with us then I am in no doubt they can go on to succeed in football.

"I wish all five of them nothing but the very best of luck in their future careers."